But hold on: Is this spooky-sounding facial actually worth the hype? We tapped experts for everything (and we mean everything!) you need to know. A little background info on PRP procedures: A professional will draw a vial of your own blood, put in a machine called a centrifuge, and spin it to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood cells (white and red). These platelets are considered “liquid gold” in the cosmetic dermatology field, board-certified nurse practitioner and aesthetic specialist Vanessa Coppola, FNP-BC, owner of Bare Aesthetic Medical Spa, tells mbg. They contain growth factors, which are in charge of recovery whenever the body is in need of repair (i.e., premature aging from oxidative stress or environmental aggressors, like pollution). However, it can be difficult for those platelets to reach specific locations—that’s why professionals inject a concentrated amount (or in the case of vampire facials, use it topically alongside a microneedling procedure), so they can hyper-focus on stressed and aging skin cells. That’s why it’s known as a “vampire” facial: “Your own blood is being drawn and then given back to you,” notes Zeichner. Gnarly, no? You can read more about PRP here, if you’re curious about how it works. “In a vampire facial, PRP is added to microneedling to boost the collagen induction for an accelerated and amplified response, resulting in smoother, more robust skin,” says Coppola. The platelets essentially boost your skin’s natural recovery process, which can supercharge your results. In terms of the best candidate, anyone who has texture, tone, and overall skin aging concerns can benefit from a vampire facial. “The treatment is beneficial in addressing fine lines and wrinkles, crepey skin, sagging, and even acne scars,” Zeichner adds. As we mentioned, your skin may also appear red and swollen after the fact. According to Coppola, you may even feel itchy or see some small scabbing. “It is important not to pick at this—just continue to apply the aftercare balm as prescribed by your provider,” she says (more on that later). “If the flaking and irritation persists, you should call your provider.” Although, you might want to steer clear of vampire facials (or microneedling in general) if you have any skin infections, sores, rashes, or open wounds. Those with active acne or sensitive skin conditions like eczema and rosacea might also want to avoid this treatment for the time being. If you’re unsure whether or not you would make a good candidate, we suggest you speak with a doctor before booking. Finally: Please avoid at-home devices. Vampire facials should always be done in a professional setting, and “make sure the facility is using an approved device, such as the SkinPen, with a disposable tip to avoid cross-contamination,” says Coppola. The skin should heal in between two and seven days, so downtime is pretty minimal—but you might not want to book this treatment right before an important event since you should avoid makeup for at least 18 hours. “You want to wait until the microchannels have fully closed to avoid any irritation or infection,” Coppola adds. And like any other type of facial, proper sun care is key: Make sure to protect your vulnerable skin from UV rays post-vampire treatment.
